Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.